- by Kaitlin Lowe
Mindy Melancon, a Logistics Coordinator, working at Associated Terminals and Turn Services for the past five years, has recently fulfilled the role of Vice President for the South Louisiana Chapter of Women in Maritime Operations (WIMOS).
Melancon had begun her career by working part time in college for a CPA firm in Thibodaux where she worked on audits, payroll, taxes and monthly financials. After completing her accounting degree she continued working for them full time until she moved to Convent in 2018 and began work in the Maritime Industry. Melancon began primarily as a billing clerk for Turn Services and had grown into a role as the invoicing analyst for both Turn Services and Associated Terminals. She had served as the Senior Invoicing Analyst at both companies for a number of years, where she works as the lead focal point for revenue collection, before being promoted to Logistics Coordinator.
“My experience at Associated and Turn has been great. I started out not knowing much about the maritime industry, yet once I began learning I had cultivated a passion for it. Even now, I am intrigued to learn more about maritime operations daily,” says Melancon. When she had begun working with Turn during May of 2018, she attended her first ‘Lunch n’ Learn’ with WIMOS, and had quickly become an active member in the organization.
WIMOS is a non-profit organization that enhances connections, education, and support for women who work in the maritime industry. The organization connects women in the maritime industry as peers and mentors as women are the minority in maritime operations at just 30%. WIMOS acts to enable female representation through industry events, educational grants, and hosting member events. Events include industry event meetups, educational and motivational webinars, volunteer meetups, professional headshots, leadership workshops, as well as golf lessons and tournaments. Another special opportunity WIMOS provides is their mentor program, where each protege is set up with a mentor according to both women’s goals and expertise.
Melancon expresses how she instantly realized how much help and support in her career growth WIMOS would provide to her career when joining. “I think it’s really important to get involved with organizations like WIMOS as they promote learning and equal opportunity,” says Melancon.
WIMOS has helped Melancon grow greatly both personally and professionally. “I not only gained knowledge from WIMOS, but also confidence,” she said, “I believe in WIMOS, and their core values: Educate, Engage, Elevate.” Melancon shares that going into 2022, her goal was to push herself out of her comfort zone. Therefore, when she was nominated for the VP position, she felt it was kismet. “In just the short amount of time I’ve been VP of WIMOS in South Louisiana, it has already helped me grow immensely,” she says.
Melancon’s work at Associated and Turn has assisted her to fulfill this role by continuing to network closely with customers as well as build trusted relationships. “I am passionate about the maritime industry, and cherish this opportunity to learn and support others to learn about it. That being said, I am honored to be the Vice PResident as WIMOS, as well as represent it,” says Melancon. If you’re interested in joining WIMOS learning more about them, visit https://www.wimos.org to connect!
Congratulations on your new role Mindy, the Associated Terminals and Turn Services team is so proud of you!
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